Why are different parts of Heron Reef Bleached in 2024 and other parts not?

Theme: Biodiversity and conservation science

Description: 

Heron Reef has been hit by 2024 bleaching event. Long term monitoring data describing benthic composition and bleaching levels have been collected all around the reef, before, during and after the 2024 event. Little is known why some areas on the reef were less impacted than others. This project will involve potential collection of new data, and analysis of the new or available benthic field data derived from geolocated photoquadrats in combination with high resolution benthic maps and bathymetry.

Additional Information: The honors project will be conducted within the staff and students Marine Ecosystems Monitoring Lab that is focusing their research on coral reef and seagrass habitats using field and earth observation-based methods.

Contact: Dr Nick Hammerman & Prof Chris Roelfsema